A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Chief Basil Ani, has cautioned the party against accepting Governor Peter Mbah into its fold, warning that such a move could trigger internal disagreements among members.

Speaking on Tuesday in Enugu, Ani stated that some members of the APC are already expressing concerns over speculations that the governor might consider decamping to the party.

“The governor has had challenges in his party and now appears to be seeking refuge in the APC. Many members feel this move would not be in the best interest of the party,” Ani said.

He noted that the political climate in Enugu has shifted significantly, with many prominent members of other parties, including the PDP, LP, and APGA, defecting to the APC under the leadership of Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.

“Under Chief Uche Nnaji’s leadership, APC in Enugu has grown remarkably, welcoming thousands of new members every few weeks. This progress was achieved despite being an opposition party in the state,” he added.

Ani commended the minister’s role in advancing the party’s influence, attributing it to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which, according to him, has facilitated federal appointments and empowerment opportunities for over 5,000 indigenes of Enugu State.

The APC chieftain also urged Governor Mbah to focus on addressing pressing security challenges, particularly the activities of armed herders in Uzo-Uwani and Isi-Uzo local government areas.

“Security and the protection of lives and property must remain the governor’s top priority. The recent rise in violence in some parts of the state needs urgent attention,” he stressed.

Ani expressed confidence in APC’s rising popularity in Enugu, asserting that the party is well-prepared to contest and win future elections, including the 2027 governorship race. (Daily Sun)